Aviation degree personal statement example (1a)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Ever since my first experience of flight when I was 8 years old flying to Corfu, I knew I wanted to become an Airline Pilot. The fact that I could be halfway around the world away from home, and be in my own bed within a day was so intriguing to me as a child. Over 100,000 flights are made per day, and being the pilot of just one of these journeys would be incredible, knowing that only 111 years ago, the Wright Flyer made its 12 second maiden flight; seeing how far we have gone from then is astonishing.

Flying was always the best part of going on holiday for me, especially 2010, when my family and I travelled to the Caribbean. The moment I knew that St. Maarten was one of our destinations, I urged my parents to take a visit to Maho Beach, a tiny beach at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, where aircraft flew in just 50 feet above us. When they began to take off, you could feel the thrust of the jet engines; you could even see the ripples in the water overpowering the incoming waves. To think that I could one day be in control of engines like those sent shivers down my spine.

I am looking for a university course with content that will give me an understanding of the aviation world, as well as the knowledge and qualifications to successfully obtain a placement with a leading airline. "A mile of highway will take you a mile, but a mile of runway will take you anywhere". I came across this phrase at one point, and I made sure that it stuck in my mind. It summarises my passion for aviation and why I am committed to becoming an airline pilot.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

For my Year 10 Work Experience, I decided on an aviation placement at Fenland Flying School, based at Fenland Airfield. Before I began working, I booked a trial lesson with them where I flew around my local area. I enjoyed it so much, it made me want to start flying lessons but, due to the cost, I never carried it through. In the 2 weeks I spent there, I worked with engineers in the hangar, helping to repair and service the Flying School's aircraft, and in the reception, where I had the chance to talk to current students, qualified pilots and the then CFI at Fenland. I had even more time to converse with the pilots who flew to the airfield when I was asked to work during the summer. In February of this year, I returned to Fenland and worked in reception every weekend for six months, where I aided instructors and spoke to the pilots, building good relationships with them. I enjoyed listening to their stories about their experiences and how they pursued interests in aviation.

During my secondary education, I have participated in Student Voice in Years 7-11, becoming Head in Year 11, as well as being Form Captain in the same year. Currently, I am our House's Intrahouse Activities Captain, creating activities for our house to participate in, and a Year 7 Maths Tutor. I was an active participant in Boys' Brigade from the age of 5, and in recent years was the oldest in our company, increasing my responsibility within the group.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Aviation Museums around the UK, especially the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. I loved being able to see the huge variety of planes up close and personal. Although I prefer commercial aircraft over military, it was fascinating to see all these wondrous machines. The highlight was being able to enter a Concorde; despite not being old enough to remember any commercial flights involving one, it is by far my favourite plane because of how far ahead of its time it was.

Many of my favourite games are Aviation-based, from the space-plane-building game of Kerbal Space Program to Flight Simulator X, the latter of which I have begun using much more frequently with my discovery of VATSIM. I have also been reading 'Cockpit Confidential' by Patrick Smith, a current airline pilot. I have also been reading Flight Training Manuals to give me a basic understanding of the mechanics and technical knowledge of what is to come.

Universities applied to:

• University of Leeds (Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies)
• University of Salford (Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies)
• Buckinghamshire New University (Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training)
• Middlesex University (Professional Aviation Pilot Practice)

Grades achieved:

• Mathematics (A2) - A*
• Further Mathematics (A2) - B
• Physics (A2) - C
• ICT (AS) - D

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.